Vehicle bed storage box

ABSTRACT

A collapsible storage device includes a first panel and a second panel, with one end of the first panel rotatably secured to one wall of a vehicle bed. One end of the second panel is rotatably secured to the opposite end of the first panel. The device has a deployed or storage position in which the first panel is generally horizontal and the second panel is generally vertical so that the two panels, in cooperation with the existing walls of the bed, form an enclosed container. The device also has a folded position in which the second panel is folded against the first panel, and the first panel together with the second is folded against a wall of the vehicle bed. The collapsible storage device has means for locking the device in the deployed and/or the folded position. Alternatively, the device may have means for locking the two panels together during deployment and/or retraction, or the device may be interposed between two storage bins along a wall of the vehicle bed. A track or tracks may be provided on one or both sides of the storage device to coact with a track follower on one or both sides of the second panel to provide easier collapse or deployment of the device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/282,954, filed Oct. 28, 2002, titled VEHICLE BED STORAGE BOX, nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,644,711 which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/846,577, filed May 1, 2001, titled VEHICLE BEDSTORAGE BOX, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,471,278, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/488,207, filed Jan. 19, 2000, titledVEHICLE BED STORAGE BOX, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,257,640, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/117,098, filedJan. 25, 1999, titled VEHICLE BED STORAGE BOX. The entire contents ofeach of the above-listed patents, patent applications and provisionalpatent applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein and madea part of this specification.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a storage device for a vehicle and, inparticular, a vehicle bed storage box.

2. Background of the Invention

Vehicles with storage beds, such as pick-up trucks, are tremendouslypopular due to their utility in transporting large objects for work andrecreation. Unfortunately, because the storage bed is typically open,articles stored within the storage bed are exposed to the elements andmay be inadvertently lost and/or stolen from the open truck bed. One ofthe most common items stored in the vehicle storage bed is a tool box.

Such tool boxes have a generally rectangular shape and have a topsurface which is horizontal with a handle extending therefrom. Thisconfiguration provides ease of transportation and access, and optimizesthe interior shape and volume for the storage of large items.

3. Discussion of Known Art

There has been a long felt need for an improved truck bed mountedstorage device which is either collapsible or easily removable. However,many of the attempts made to address this need have suffered from one ormore flaws.

A recent example of such an attempt is U.S. Pat. No. 5,853,116 toSchreiner. The Schreiner device is a collapsible storage box whichattaches to the tailgate of a truck bed. However, this device requireseither removal and replacement of the entire tailgate or attachment ofthe device on top of an existing tailgate, which makes the gate veryheavy to use. The Schreiner apparatus also prevents quick sliding ofitems in or out of the truck bed without first collapsing the storageunit and removing the items stored inside of it.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,169,200 to Pugh discloses a truck bed storage box whichis intended to be removable. However, this device does not fold up andstore quickly and easily within the truck bed. Instead, the loose piecesof the box must be either stored in the bed itself or left behindelsewhere outside of the truck, which prevents the box from beingreplaced in the bed for further use without first returning to the placewhere the pieces of the box are stored. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No.5,037,153 to Stark and U.S. Pat. No. 4,635,992 to Hamilton each providea way to move a storage box back and forth on a truck bed, but neitherof these patents discloses a means for folding a storage box; rather,the box must be removed entirely and left behind and stored externallyin order to use the entire truck bed.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,828,312 to Kinkel, U.S. Pat. No. 4,749,226 to Heft, andU.S. Pat. No. 4,451,075 to Canfield all disclose a collapsing truck bedstorage box which is used adjacent to the truck bed tailgate. Thesedevices thus prevent use of the tailgate when the box is deployed. Itemscannot be easily slid in and out of the truck bed without removal of thestorage device itself and the items stored within it. All of thesedevices also fold onto the truck bed when not in use, which interfereswith the storage of items in the truck bed and exposes the panels ofthese devices to bending or crushing when heavy loads are being hauledby the truck. Finally, the Canfield device has an angled orientationwhen deployed, which is not optimal for storing items inside of it.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,750,773 to Chapline discloses a folding truck bed boxwhich permits full use of the tailgate. However, part of the box foldsonto the bed which is troublesome for the hauling of heavy loads for thereasons outlined above.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,764,615 to Edwards discloses a truck body partitionwhich can be used to section off a portion of the truck bed. However,this device does not enclose a storage area and thus it leaves itemsexposed when in use. Furthermore, the Edwards device, when rotated intothe storage position, prevents easy removal of items up and out of thetruck bed.

Wind deflectors are also known in the art. Wind deflectors are mountedat the rear of the vehicle bed to reduce drag on the vehicle due to thetailgate. U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,589 to Felker discloses a wind deflectorwhich assumes an angled orientation when deployed. In addition to notbeing intended as a storage device, the angled orientation isinefficient for storing items. Installation of the Felker devicerequires modifications of either the existing bed surface or amodification of the tailgate, neither of which are desirable to a userof any bed storage device. Finally, in at least one embodiment of theFelker device, it folds flat onto the truck bed surface itself, and inthis position the panels of the device could be bent or crushed by heavyloads placed in the truck bed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is an improved collapsing storagedevice for use in a vehicle bed.

Another aspect of the invention is a storage device which is quickly andeasily collapsed and/or deployed by the user, and which in the collapsedstate leaves substantially the entire vehicle bed available for usewithout obstruction.

Desirably, another aspect of the invention is a collapsing storagedevice which may be installed without removing or substantiallymodifying any part of the vehicle bed.

Advantageously, one aspect of the invention is an apparatus forcooperating with existing walls surrounding a vehicle storage bed toform an enclosed container. Desirably, the container is collapsible topermit substantially the entire vehicle bed to be used fortransportation of large objects when the storage box is not in use.

One aspect of the invention is a storage apparatus including a firstpanel and a second panel. The first panel is rotatably secured to anexisting wall surrounding the storage bed, and the second panel isrotatably secured to an opposite end of the first panel. The panels maybe rotatably secured by hinges. The storage apparatus has a deployed orstorage position wherein a first surface of the first panel extendsupward and a first surface of the second panel extends outward from theexisting vehicle bed panel to which the first panel is rotatablysecured. The apparatus also has a retracted or folded away position inwhich the first surface of the second panel is positioned facing andadjacent the existing wall of the vehicle and the first surface of thefirst panel extends upright and outward from the such existing wall ofthe vehicle.

Advantageously, a first interlock portion and a second interlock portionare provided for locking the first and the second panel folded togetherto facilitate easier deployment and/or retraction of the apparatus.

The storage apparatus may utilize one or more tracks which cooperatewith track followers extending from the second panel to facilitatemovement of the storage apparatus between the deployed position and thefolded position.

Another aspect of the present invention is a collapsible vehicle bedstorage assembly mountable on a vehicle having a generally horizontalstorage bed surrounded by a front wall, a first sidewall, a secondsidewall and a back wall. The assembly comprises a first panel having anouter face and inner face, a first end, a second end, a first side and asecond side, the first end of the first panel being secured to one ofthe walls so as to be rotatable about a generally horizontal axis. Theassembly also has a second panel having an outer face, an inner face, afirst end, a second end, a first side, and a second side, the first endof the second panel being secured to the second end of the first panelso as to be rotatable about a generally horizontal axis. The first paneland the second panel are locked in a folded-together orientation whereinthe inner face of the second panel faces the inner face of the firstpanel, and the assembly is freely rotatable about the first end of thefirst panel, while the first panel and the second panel remain locked inthat orientation.

Still another aspect of the present invention is a collapsible vehiclebed storage assembly mountable on a vehicle having a generallyhorizontal storage bed surrounded by a front wall, a first sidewall, asecond sidewall and a back wall. The assembly comprises a first panelhaving an outer face and inner face, a first end, a second end, a firstside and a second side, the first end of the first panel being securedto one of the walls so as to be rotatable about a generally horizontalaxis. The assembly also has a second panel having an outer face, aninner face, a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side,the first end of the second being panel secured to the second end of thesecond panel so as to be rotatable about a generally horizontal axis.Also included is at least one track mounted in the vehicle storage bedon one side of the assembly and at least one track follower mounted onthe corresponding side of the second panel, the track and the followercooperating to control the deployment of the assembly. The assembly hasa collapsed position in which the first panel and the second panel aregenerally vertical and the inner face of the first panel and the innerface of the second panel face one another, and a deployed position inwhich the first panel is generally horizontal and the second panel isgenerally vertical, the outer face of the first panel facing outwardaway from the storage bed and the outer face of the second panel facingoutward away from the front wall.

The present invention also encompasses a method for enclosing a volumeof a vehicle bed having a generally horizontal storage bed surrounded bya front wall, a first sidewall, a second sidewall and a back wall, themethod comprising the steps of: (1) rotating an assembly comprising afirst panel and a second panel folded together, the first panel beingrotatably secured to one of the walls at a first end of the first panel,the second panel being rotatably secured to a second end of the firstpanel opposite the first end, from a vertical position; (2) rotating thesecond panel away from the first panel so that the first panel and thesecond panel are no longer folded together; and (3) placing an end ofthe second panel against the vehicle bed with the second panel in asubstantially vertical position and the first panel in a substantiallyhorizontal position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the collapsible storage device foldedaway in a vehicle bed.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the collapsible storage device fullydeployed.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the collapsible storage device fullydeployed, and incorporating an access door in the first panel.

FIGS. 3A-3D are schematic views showing the storage device beingdeployed.

FIGS. 4A-4C show one embodiment of a means for locking the two panels ofthe collapsible storage device folded together, and for locking thecollapsible storage device in the deployed or the folded away position.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show the storage box being opened, along with anotherembodiment of a means for locking the two panels of the collapsiblestorage device folded together.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show another embodiment of the collapsible storagedevice in association with additional storage bins.

FIGS. 7A-7B show an alternative storage box which incorporates a trackon one or both sides (mirror image).

FIG. 7C is a view along a—a of FIGS. 7A-7B illustrating thecross-section of a track follower in the guiding track.

FIG. 8 shows an alternative means for rotatably attaching thecollapsible storage device to a vehicle bed.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the collapsiblestorage device employing a track to guide deployment and/or collapse.

FIGS. 10A-10C are side elevation views of a storage bin and track foruse with the embodiment of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the attachment of astorage bin to a vehicle bed sidewall.

FIGS. 12A-12D are perspective views of the panels to be used with theembodiment of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a latch and lock to be used with thepanels of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the collapsible storage deviceemploying the lock of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a vehicle bed 10 with front and back walls 12 and 14and first and second sidewalls 16 and 18. Disposed within the bed 10 isa collapsible storage device 20 in accordance with the presentinvention. The collapsible storage device 20 includes a first panel 22and a second panel 24. First panel 22 includes an outer face 26 and aninner face 27 (see FIG. 3D), a first end 30 and a second end 34, as wellas a first side 38 and a second side 42. Likewise, second panel 24includes an outer face 28 and an inner face 29 (see FIG. 3D), a firstend 32 and a second end 36, as well as a first side 40 and a second side44.

It is contemplated that the panels 22, 24 may be constructed of variousmaterials, such as steel, aluminum, a heavy-duty plastic such as ABS orPVC, nylon, fiberglass, or wood. Steel used in the construction of thepanels 22, 24 may be of the diamond-plate type. As illustrated in FIG.5A, reinforcing members 116 and 118 may be added across the inner faceof one or both of the panels to improve resistance to bending, impactsor dents. Such reinforcing members can permit the thickness and weightof the panels 22, 24 to be reduced.

The second end 36 of the second panel 24 may be contoured as necessaryto match features on the bed surface and sides, such as protrudingportions of the wheel wells or ribs, etc., on the bed floor. The widthand height of the first and second panels 22 and 24 may be varied asnecessary to substantially match the width and depth of beds found ondifferent models of vehicles found on the market. The second panel 24may desirably be sized so as to fold and nest into first panel 22 asshown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

The first end 30 of the first panel 22 is rotatably attached to thevehicle along the front wall 12 of the bed 10. The first end 32 of thesecond panel 24 is rotatably attached to the second end 34 of the firstpanel 22, by a plurality of hinges disposed along its length. It iscontemplated that the panels 22, 24 could also be rotatably connected byone long hinge, an axle or axle stubs, or other means known to those ofskill in the art.

On its outer face 26, the first panel 22 is equipped with a handle 52which is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the panel 22. Handle52 is located off-center on first panel 22 so that a person standing toone side of the vehicle bed can easily grasp it and use it to deploy orretract the collapsible storage device. The handle 52 turns a rotor 54(see FIGS. 4A-4C) located on the inner face 27 of the first panel 22. Tothe rotor 54 are attached rods 58, 60 which can rotate about an axisperpendicular to the rotor 54 at their attachment points 62, 64.Rotation of the handle 52 moves the ends of the rods 58, 60 from anextended (FIG. 4A) to a retracted position (FIG. 4B). Rotation of thehandle 52 is limited so that the ends of rods 58, 60 cannot be retractedbeyond rod guides 66, 68.

The rods 58, 60 communicate with holes 70, 72 in the first and secondsides 38, 42 of the first panel 22 and with holes 74, 76 in the firstand second sides 40, 44 of the second panel 24. When the second panel 24is folded into the first panel 22 as shown in FIGS. 3D and 4C, rod 58can extend through hole 74 in the first side 40 of the second panel 24and through hole 70 in the first side 38 of the first panel 22, and rod60 can extend through hole 76 in the second side 44 of the second panel24 and through hole 72 in the second side 42 of the first panel 22. Byextending the rods 58, 60 in this manner, one can lock the first andsecond panels 22, 24 together in the folded orientation and they can berotated as a unit about the point of attachment to the vehicle asnecessary. This locking feature promotes ease of opening and closing thecollapsible storage device 20.

When the collapsible storage device 20 is folded into the collapsedposition as shown in FIG. 1, the rods 58, 60 can be extended so as to bereceived or retained by the stops 78, 80 mounted on the first and secondsidewalls 16, 18 of the bed 10, so as to prevent the device 20 frommoving about when it is not in use. The stops 78, 80 may be simpleblocks or bars of metal or some other suitable material, attached to thesidewalls 16, 18 and extending inward therefrom. One of ordinary skillin the art will appreciate that other means, such as holes in thesidewalls 16, 18, will perform the same function of receiving andretaining the extended rods 58, 60.

When the collapsible storage device 20 is expanded into the deployed orstorage position, the rods 58, 60 can be extended into holes 82, 84 inthe inner faces of the first and second sidewalls 16, 18 of the bed 10to hold the device 20 in the deployed position. The height of the secondpanel 24 may be selected so as to create a slight downslope, toward therear of the bed, in first panel 22 when the device 20 is in the deployedposition. This permits rods 58, 60 to better match up with holes 82, 84when the first end 30 of the first panel 22 is hinged to the top of thefront wall 12 of the bed 10 (and is therefore higher than the holes 82,84).

Guide channels 86, 88 may be provided inside of the first and secondsidewalls 16, 18 of the bed 10 to hold the second panel 24 in place whenthe assembly 20 is in the deployed or storage position. Desirably, theguide channels 86, 88 are U-shaped brackets made of metal or othersuitable rigid material. The guide channels 86, 88 are sized so thatsecond end 36 of the first panel 24 fits snugly between the twovertically extending sides of the “U,” to effectively retain the secondpanel 24 in place when the device 20 is in the deployed position.

FIG. 2A shows a collapsible storage device 20 with a hinged access door23 located in the first panel 22. The access door 23 facilitates quick,easy access into the space enclosed by the collapsible storage device 20without opening or collapsing the entire device. The access door 23 canbe simply cut out of the face of the first panel 22, and mounted to thepanel using sturdy hinges and a latch of sufficient strength towithstand likely impacts and other forces. Desirably, the access doorcan be a sheet of similar material as is used to make the panels 22, 24,but oversized slightly with respect to the opening in the first panel22, so as to provide a better seal (by overlap) with the face of thepanel. Alternatively, the edges of the access door 23, and/or the edgesof the opening in the first panel 22, can have a gasket of rubber orother resilient material, to provide the necessary seal. The access door23 may also incorporate a lock (locks will be discussed in greaterdetail below) to prevent unauthorized access into the storage device 20.

FIGS. 3A-3D schematically show the opening procedure in detail, withadditional reference to FIGS. 4A-4B. In opening the device 20, the usergrasps and rotates the handle 52 until the rods 58, 60 retract so thatthey no longer extend beyond the stops 78, 80 (shown in FIG. 1). At thispoint the user, by simply pulling back on the handle 52, can rotate thedevice 20 about the first end 30 of the first panel 22 until the device20 reaches a suitable point as shown in FIG. 3B. Then, by a slightadditional rotation of the handle 52, the user causes the rods 58, 60 toretract further, until they no longer extend through the holes 74, 76 inthe first and second sides 40, 44 of the second panel 24., The weight ofthe second panel 24 then causes it to automatically rotate away from thefirst panel 22 (as shown in FIG. 3C) with no further effort from theuser. The second end 36 of the second panel 24 is then easily placed inguide channels 86, 88 on the bed surface, as shown in FIG. 3D. The usercompletes the opening process by rotating the handle 52 so that the rods58, 60 extend into the holes 82, 84 in the inner faces of the first andsecond sidewalls 16, 18 of the bed 10.

Advantageously, the volume of the resulting enclosed area is at least12,500 cubic inches. Desirably, the enclosed volume is at least 15,000cubic inches, and is preferably at least 20,000 cubic inches. Thesedesired or preferred storage volumes correspond to a preferred firstpanel 22 height (when deployed) of about 20″ from the bed surface, and apreferred first panel 22 length (measured from fore to aft of thevehicle when the device is deployed) of about 16″.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show an alternative means of holding the second panel 24against and parallel to the first panel 22. A clip 90 is mounted alongthe first end 30 of the first panel 22 adjacent to the inner face 27 ofthe first panel 22. The clip 90 is made of a resilient material,possibly rubber or a hard plastic such as Delron. The clip 90 has aprotruding portion 92 on its edge opposite the inner face 27 of thefirst panel 22. The clip 90 and protruding portion 92 are sized topermit, upon exertion of moderate pressure, the second end 36 of thesecond panel 24 to pass the protruding portion 92, whereby the secondpanel 24 can swing closed against the first panel 22. With nointervention from the user, the protruding portion 92 then holds thesecond panel 24 in the closed position against the first panel 22. Thetwo panels, clipped together in this manner, can be rotated about thepoint of attachment to the vehicle as necessary. The protruding portion92 also permits, upon application of moderate pressure, the second end36 of the second panel 24 to pass in the opposite direction from thatmentioned above, thereby permitting deployment of the device 20 to thedeployed position. It is contemplated that the clip 90 may be positionedat other points adjacent to the inner face 27 of the first panel 22,such as on the first or second side 38, 42 of the first panel 22, andthat more than one clip 90 may be used to retain the second panel 24against the first panel 22.

FIGS. 7A-7C show a curved track 94 which may be used to guide deploymentof the collapsible storage device 20. Such a track may be mounted on oneor both sides of the collapsible storage device 20, generally parallelto and against the first or second sidewalls 16, 18 of the bed 10. Eachtrack 94 curves from the horizontal surface of the vehicle bed 10 up tothe point of attachment of the first panel 22 to the front wall 12 ofthe vehicle bed 10. At the top of this curve the track 94 extendsdownward to form a storage section 102, the use of which will bedescribed below.

As seen in FIG. 7C, each track 94 has a C-shaped cross-section. Thetrack 94 thus encloses a track follower 96 mounted on one or both sidesof the second panel 24. The track follower 96 can move freely along thelength of the track 94, but the track follower is contained within the“C” shape of the track. It is contemplated that the track follower 96comprises a wheel which may freely rotate about an axle stub 98 attachedto the second panel 24, but other forms of track follower are possible,such as a simple peg.

The track 94 cooperates with the track follower 96 to control deploymentof the collapsible storage device. When the device 20 is being opened orclosed, the track 94 assists in both supporting the weight of the deviceand in guiding the user's movement of the panels 22 and 24, whichgreatly reduces the effort required from the user when opening thedevice 20. The storage section 102 of the track 94 retains the trackfollower 96 when the device 20 is in the collapsed position as shown inFIG. 7B.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show an alternative embodiment of the collapsiblestorage device 20 for use with those vehicles with wheel wells situatednear, or intersecting with, the front wall 12 of the bed 10. In thiscase, the panels 22, 24 of the collapsible storage device 20 aredesirably about as wide as the available space between the wheel wells104, 106. On either side of the collapsible storage device 20 above thewheel wells are storage bins 108, 110. Each storage bin is enclosed onall sides except the inward-facing side, which has a top inner wall 114and a bottom inner wall 116. When the storage device 20 is in thedeployed position as shown in FIG. 6A, the top inner wall 114 cooperateswith the first or second side 38, 42 of the first panel 22 to preventeasy pry-in between the first panel 22 and the top of the storage bins108, 110. The bottom inner wall 116 creates a handy storage bin or shelfwhich is separate from the main volume enclosed by the storage device 20when in the deployed position, or is a simple open bin useful even whenthe storage device 20 is in the folded position.

Various devices for mounting the collapsible storage device 20 to thevehicle are contemplated by the present invention. The first meanscomprises hinges 46, 48, 50 rotatably connecting the first end 30 of thefirst panel 22 to the top surface of the front wall 12 of the bed 10. Asecond means is to rotatably attach the first end 30 of the first panel22 to the inner sides of the first and second sidewalls 16, 18 of thebed 10 using a full-width axle 114 as shown in FIG. 8, or separate axlestubs on either side of first panel 22. Finally, in regard to thealternative embodiment of the collapsible storage device mentionedabove, the first panel 22 of the collapsible storage device 20 may berotatably secured to the inner walls of the storage bins 108, 110, bymeans of a full-width axle 112 as shown in FIG. 6, or separate axlestubs on either side of first panel 22.

FIGS. 9 and 10A-10C show another embodiment of a collapsible storagedevice 250, incorporating aspects of the side storage bins and tracksdescribed above. Storage bins 252, 254 are located on either side of thevehicle bed 10, against the sidewalls 16, 18. Where necessary, thestorage bins 252, 254 may have rear panels 256 which conform to therespective wheel wells 258. However, the storage bins are also useablewhere the wheel wells are situated farther back from the front wall 12,in which case the rear panels 256 need not be shaped to accommodate thewheel well. Each storage bin 252, 254 has an opening 260 for theinsertion or removal of articles to or from the bin, and netting 262 toprevent the stored item(s) from falling out of the bin. The collapsiblestorage device 250 is disposed between the storage bins 252, 254, andmay be rotatably mounted to the bins or to the bed front wall 12 by thevarious means described herein.

One or both of the storage bins 252, 254 may have a track 264 on itsinward-facing wall. Like the track described above in reference to FIGS.7A-7C, the track 264 cooperates with a track follower 266 (see FIGS.10A-10C) on the collapsible storage device 250 to guide and assist thedeployment or folding of the storage device. Desirably, the track 264 isformed so as to be integral with the inward-facing wall(s) of thestorage bin(s); however, the track may be simply attached to the wall ina variety of methods known in the art. Preferably, the track 264 isformed of or coated with nylon to permit the track follower to travelsmoothly within it. A nylon track also facilitates the use of a trackfollower which is a simple post, instead of a roller as disclosedpreviously. Best seen in FIGS. 10A-10C, this track 264 defines a pathwith a relatively straight, horizontal portion 268 and a relativelystraight, vertical portion 270, in contrast with the curved trackdisclosed above. One advantage of this track configuration is that thehorizontal portion 268 can hold the partially-unfolded storage device250 in the “open” position (see FIG. 10B) while items are placed into orremoved from the storage area, as the track follower 266 is less likelyto move under the weight of the collapsible storage device 250 when on ahorizontal portion of the track.

FIG. 10C shows a storage bin 254 without the collapsible storage devicepanels, so as to better illustrate the track 264 and other aspects ofthis embodiment of the device. Each storage bin 254 has an integrallyformed slot 272 which provides a mounting location for the first panel(not shown), by rotatably receiving an axle portion 274 extending fromthe first panel. The slot 272 thus defines a pivot point 276 on the axisabout which the first panel rotates. To prevent the axle portion 274from leaving the slot 272 while the device is in use, a cap or othersimilar retaining member (not shown) can be placed in or over the opentop end of the slot 272.

The track 264 may further include a first cam surface 278 and a secondcam surface 280 which assist in deployment and storage of the device.When storing the device, the first cam surface 278 directs the trackfollower 266 downward as it approaches the front wall 12. This causes acorresponding downward movement of the second panel 24, and with it thefirst panel 22, urged by their own weight. Thus, the first cam surface278 enables the panels 22, 24 of the device to automatically rotatedownward, under their own weight, toward the storage position. The firstcam surface 278 and the adjacent curved portion of the track 264 arealso shaped to follow the path swept out by the track follower 266 asthe panels 22, 24 rotate downward, so as not to inhibit the progress ofthe panels and further facilitate the automatic movement. This automaticor self-folding aspect substantially enhances the ease of storing thedevice.

As the panels 22, 24 rotate downward, the track follower 266 thenadvances into the second cam surface 280, which directs the trackfollower 266 upward as the device reaches the storage position (see FIG.10A), with the first panel 22 in a substantially vertical orientationand the second panel 24 mostly nested within the first panel. Theprotruding track follower(s) 266 prevent the second panel 24 fromnesting completely inside the first panel 22; therefore when stored thetwo panels 22, 24 will form a slight angle with respect to one another.It is desirable to reduce this angle as much as possible so as tominimize the horizontal distance required between the front wall 12 andthe pivot point 276. The second cam surface 280 is shaped to accomplishthis by bringing the track follower 266 closer to the pivot point 276 asthe track follower approaches the endpoint of the track 264. As isreadily seen in FIG. 10C, the distance between the pivot point 276 andthe centerline of the track 264 decreases as the track reaches itsendpoint. This track configuration forces the ends of the panels 22, 24closer together when in the storage position, minimizing the anglebetween them and providing better storage of the device. Though thistrack configuration is disclosed with reference to the embodiment of thestorage device shown in FIG. 9, one should note that it is equallyuseful with the other embodiments described herein.

Also shown in FIG. 10C is a cover flap 282, preferably made of rubber orother flexible, durable material, which attaches to the front wall 12 orother nearby location and covers the space between the front wall 12 andthe pivot point 276. Thus positioned, the cover flap 282 helps to sealthe junction of the first panel and the front wall 12. This shields thecargo area from rain and the pivot from view, reducing the likelihood oftampering.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional depiction of a preferred methodof attaching a storage bin 254 to the sidewall 16 of a vehicle bed. In acommon vehicle construction, the sidewall 16 joins the bed floor 300below an existing (i.e., original-equipment) tiedown mount 302 andtiedown cleat 304, which is attached to the tiedown mount via aplurality of screws 306. Along its top inner edge the storage bin 254forms a C-shaped lip 308 which is adapted to receive an inner flange 310on the top portion of the sidewall 16, when the lower edge of thestorage bin 254 contacts the bed floor 300. One or more bolts 312 orother suitable fasteners securely join the lip 308 and flange 310.Alternatively, a separate C-clamp can be used to reduce manufacturingcosts of the storage bins. A bracket 314, preferably made of steel orother high-strength material, is adapted to attach to the tiedown mount302 underneath the tiedown cleat 304, via the existing screws 306. Thebracket 314 extends to the opposite side of the storage bin 254 andattaches to it with one or more bolts 316 or other suitable fasteners.

FIGS. 12A-12D depict an alternative design for first and second panels22, 24 which are suited for use with that version of the collapsiblestorage device disclosed above with regard to FIGS. 9 and 10A-10C. Eachpanel 22, 24 consists of a frame 402, 404 which receives a cover 406,408 in a recess 410, 412. The frames 402, 404 and covers 406, 408 arepreferably made of a molded heavy-duty plastic such as ABS or PVC. Mostpreferably they are injection molded, but they may alternatively be blowmolded or composed of structural foam.

Each frame 402, 404 is molded so as to form a perimeter channel 414, 416which incorporates the recess 410, 412 midway along its width. Theperimeter channel 414, 416 and the recess 410, 412 greatly stiffen theframe 402, 404 without adding significant weight by increasing theprofile of the frame 402, 404 in a manner similar to the flanges of anI-beam. Each perimeter channel 414, 416 surrounds a center plane 418,420 having a number of integrally molded raised portions 422, 424. Theraised portions provide added stiffness as well as intermediate areas ofcontact for the cover 406, 408 when it is bonded to the frame 402, 404(as seen in FIG. 12B). The cover 406, 408 is securely bonded to theframe 402, 404 by adhesives or other methods known to those skilled inthe art, and provides additional stiffening to the panels 22, 24 withouta great increase in weight.

Referring again to FIG. 12A, the first panel 22 may also feature a latchcutout 426 and a lock cutout 428, as well as a side cutout 430. Thesecutouts provide space for the location and function of the lock andlatch, which will be described in more detail below.

FIG. 12C shows the underside of the panels 22, 24 as well as thehardware used for joining and reinforcing the panels. The first panel 22includes a reinforcement bracket 432 at each corner, with holes 434 inthe brackets 432 at the hinged end of the first panel. These holes 434receive pins 436 formed by pin blocks 438 at each corner on the hingedend of the second panel 24. At the opposite end of the second panel 24are track follower blocks 440 to which are attached track followerplates 442 (see FIG. 12B) on the opposite face of the second panel 24.Each track follower plate 442 forms a track follower 266 extendinglaterally from the panel on either side.

FIG. 13 shows schematically the latch 444 and lock 446 in the firstpanel 22. The latch consists of a handle 448 rotatably received in thefirst panel 22, and a rod 450 attached to the handle so that rotation ofthe handle within the panel will cause the rod to rotatecorrespondingly. The rod 450 has a closed position 452 where it extendsbeyond the perimeter of the first panel 22, and an open position 454where it is wholly within the perimeter. In the closed position 452 therod 450 may engage or be received by a stop (see FIG. 1) so as toprevent movement of the collapsible storage device from its present(collapsed or deployed) position. The side cutout 430 (see FIGS.12A-12D) in the first panel 22 permits the rod to move between theclosed and the open positions 452, 454. Desirably, the range of rotationof the latch 444 may be limited to about 90° or less.

The lock 446 is situated adjacent the latch 444 and is operable by akey, by the input of a combination of numbers, letters, etc., orotherwise to selectively impede the rotation of the latch by movement ofa blocking member 456. Thus the lock 446, when engaged, will preventoperation of the latch 444 to collapse or deploy the collapsible storagedevice.

FIG. 14 shows the collapsible storage device 250 situated in a vehiclebed 10 with the latch 444 and lock 446 retaining the device 250 in thecollapsed position. The latch 444 has been rotated so that the rod 450extends beyond the perimeter of the first panel 22 and engages a stop458 (see FIG. 10C) cut into the side of the storage bin 254. The stop458 may have a cam surface 460, which is curved so as to direct thecollapsible storage device toward the front wall 12 as the rod 450 andlatch 444 are rotated as shown in FIG. 13. Thus, the only user effortrequired to move the device to the fully collapsed position is rotationof the latch 444. The user may then operate the lock 446 to preventunauthorized use of the device. Other structure suitable to engage therod 450 along the top edge of either or both storage bins 252, 254 wouldfacilitate locking in the deployed position. The lock 446 may be anysuitable commercially available lock, such as Model No. 01-43-21available from the South Company.

Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certainpreferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond thespecifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodimentsand/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalentsthereof Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present inventionherein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosedembodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fairreading of the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A collapsible storage box for use in a vehiclebed having a front wall and first and second sidewalls, said storage boxcomprising: a first panel having a front edge connectable with respectto said front wall so as to be rotatable about a generally horizontalfirst axis, and a rear edge opposite said front edge; a second panelhaving a front edge rotatably connected to said rear edge of said firstpanel; said panels configured to be movable between a storage positionand a deployed position in which said panels cooperate with said frontwall and said sidewalls to form an enclosure in said vehicle bed; and atrack configured to guide movement of said panels between said storageposition and said deployed position, said track mountable in saidvehicle bed to extend generally rearward from said front wall, with agenerally horizontal upper track portion and an inclined track portionextending forward and downward from said horizontal upper track portion.2. The storage box of claim 1, further comprising a track followerconnected to said second panel and configured to engage said track; saidinclined track portion guiding said track follower downward as saidtrack follower moves forward from said horizontal upper track portion,thereby permitting a simultaneous downward angular displacement of saidpanels.
 3. The storage box of claim 1, further comprising a trackfollower connected to said second panel and configured to engage saidtrack; wherein said track further comprises a forward track portionlocated forward of said inclined track portion, said forward trackportion directing said track follower upward and closer to said firstaxis as said track follower is moved forward, thereby reducing anincluded angle formed by said first panel and said second panel.
 4. Thestorage box of claim 1, wherein said first panel forms a top portion ofsaid enclosure and said second panel forms a rear portion of saidenclosure, when said panels are in said deployed position.
 5. Thestorage box of claim 1, wherein said panels are oriented generallyvertically and said front edge of said first panel is located above saidrear edge of said first panel, when said panels are in said storageposition.
 6. The storage box of claim 1, wherein said panels are foldedagainst each other when in said storage position.
 7. A collapsiblestorage box for use in a vehicle bed having a front wall and first andsecond sidewalls, said storage box comprising: a first panel having afront edge rotatably connectable with respect to said front wall, and arear edge opposite said front edge; a second panel having a front edgerotatably connected to said rear edge of said first panel; said panelsconfigured to be movable between a storage position and a deployedposition in which said panels cooperate with said front wall and saidsidewalls to form an enclosure in said vehicle bed; and a trackconfigured to guide movement of said panels between said storageposition and said deployed position, said track mountable in saidvehicle bed to extend generally rearward from said front wall, with afront portion of said track located upward from a rear portion of saidtrack.
 8. The storage box of claim 7, wherein said front portion of saidtrack comprises a generally horizontal track portion.
 9. The storage boxof claim 8, wherein said rear portion of said track comprises agenerally vertical track portion.
 10. The storage box of claim 7,wherein said first panel forms a top portion of said enclosure and saidsecond panel forms a rear portion of said enclosure, when said panelsare in said deployed position.
 11. The storage box of claim 7, whereinsaid panels are oriented generally vertically and said front edge ofsaid first panel is located above said rear edge of said first panel,when said panels are in said storage position.
 12. The storage box ofclaim 7, wherein said panels are folded against each other when in saidstorage position.
 13. The storage box of claim 8, wherein said frontportion of said track further comprises an inclined track portionextending forward and downward from said horizontal track portion. 14.The storage box of claim 7, further comprising a track followerconnected to said second panel and configured to engage said track. 15.A collapsible storage box for use in a vehicle bed having a front walland first and second sidewalls, said storage box comprising: a firstpanel having a front edge connectable with respect to said front wall soas to be rotatable about a generally horizontal first axis, and a rearedge opposite said front edge; a second panel having a front edgerotatably connected to said rear edge of said first panel, and a rearedge opposite said front edge; said panels configured to be movablebetween a storage position in which said panels are oriented generallyvertically and said first panel extends generally downward from saidfirst axis, and a deployed position in which said panels cooperate withsaid front wall and said sidewalls to form an enclosure in said vehiclebed; and a track configured to guide movement of said panels betweensaid storage position and said deployed position, said track mountablein said vehicle bed to form a generally horizontal track portionextending generally rearward from said front wall; wherein saidgenerally horizontal track portion is configured to hold said panels inan open position in which said rear edge of said second panel is spacedabove said vehicle bed.
 16. The storage box of claim 15, wherein saidfirst panel forms a top portion of said enclosure and said second panelforms a rear portion of said enclosure, when said panels are in saiddeployed position.
 17. The storage box of claim 15, wherein said panelsare oriented generally vertically and said front edge of said firstpanel is located above said rear edge of said first panel, when saidpanels are in said storage position.
 18. The storage box of claim 15,wherein said panels are folded against each other when in said storageposition.
 19. The storage box of claim 15, wherein said track furthercomprises a generally vertical track portion located rearward of saidgenerally horizontal track portion.
 20. The storage box of claim 15,wherein said track further comprises an inclined track portion extendingforward and downward from said horizontal track portion.
 21. The storagebox of claim 15, further comprising a track follower connected to saidsecond panel and configured to engage said track.
 22. A collapsiblestorage box for use in a vehicle bed having a front wall and first andsecond sidewalls, said storage box comprising: a first panel having afront edge connectable with respect to said front wall so as to berotatable about a generally horizontal first axis, and a rear edgeopposite said front edge; a second panel having a front edge rotatablyconnected to said rear edge of said first panel; said panels configuredto be movable between a storage position and a deployed position inwhich said panels cooperate with said front wall and said sidewalls toform an enclosure in said vehicle bed; a track configured to guidemovement of said panels between said storage position and said deployedposition; and a track follower connected to said second panel andconfigured to engage said track; said track being mountable in saidvehicle bed to extend generally rearward from said front wall, with aforward track portion extending forward of said first axis, said forwardtrack portion directing said track follower upward and closer to saidfirst axis as said track follower is moved forward and said panelsapproach said storage position, thereby reducing an included angleformed by said first panel and said second panel when they are in saidstorage position.
 23. The storage box of claim 22, wherein said firstpanel forms a top portion of said enclosure and said second panel formsa rear portion of said enclosure, when said panels are in said deployedposition.
 24. The storage box of claim 22, wherein said panels areoriented generally vertically and said front edge of said first panel islocated above said rear edge of said first panel, when said panels arein said storage position.
 25. The storage box of claim 22, wherein saidpanels are folded against each other when in said storage position.